Media Release

Lawrence, KS, March 31, 2011 – University of Kansas students can enjoy a night of science-fiction inspired activities at the Spencer Museum of Art on Thursday, April 7, as the SMA Student Advisory Board (SAB) hosts the Museum’s annual spring student night. The social event aims to make the Museum more accessible and fun for KU students, and will feature a behind-the-scenes look at artist Jin Shan’s installation It Came from the Sky!, construction of which will be underway in the Central Court in preparation for its April 15 opening. Other highlighted exhibitions on view include That Invisible Dance, and NetWorks.

Admission is free and the event is open to all students. The evening will include complementary food and beverages and a costume contest with prizes. Other festivities include a moon bounce, photo booth, activities provided by the KU Dance Dance Revolution Club, and music courtesy of a DJ from student radio station KJHK 90.7 FM.

SAB President Annette Becker, Lenora, Kansas, senior, says the student night offers the chance for like-minded students to interact with each other and the art. “The event is a great opportunity for students interested in art to check out the Spencer and get to know other students who share the same interests. Jin Shan’s exhibition won’t be finished yet, but students will get to see it during its developing phase.”

Jin Shan is the Spencer’s spring 2011 Freeman Foundation International Artist-in-Residence, and is considered one of the most promising young artists working in China today. His diverse deployment of media reflects approaches to art making familiar to a new generation of emerging artists in contemporary China. A graduate of East China Normal University, Jin Shan lives and works in Shanghai.